“I can only guess,” Beth said wryly.
This time conversation returned normally. At twelve, Beth rose, excusing herself to everyone at the table.
“I need to get home. I have to relieve Mrs. Roger’s neighbor in the morning.” Razer nodded, handing Beth her purse and pink jacket. Saying goodnight, Beth left with Razer following.
The fresh air felt good on Beth’s face, as they walked to her car, Razer reached out, pulling her to his side and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. When they got to her car, Beth bent slightly to put the key into the lock. Hearing a loud popping noise, the next thing she knew, Razer was shoving her into the car.
“Stay down,” Razer yelled before slamming the door quickly, jerking his phone out of his jean pocket. Someone inside the bar must have heard the shot as the club members came out, each calling out to see what had happened.
Razer signaled them to silence, taking off toward the location the shot had come from with Rider at his side and Knox following. Shade came from behind the bar, positioning himself beside Evie’s car door.
Evie tried to rise up to see what was happening outside.
“Stay down!” Shade’s sharp voice had her instantly lowering herself back down.
Several minutes later, Razer and Knox returned. “Did you find anything?” Shade questioned as they approached.
“No. Rider is still looking.”
“Who the fuck would be brave enough to piss Viper off to take a hit out on you?”
“Don’t know.”
“Cops here.” They watched as the police car pulled into the lot with its lights flashing. Razer opened the car door, Beth hesitantly stepped back out onto the parking lot.
“Who called the police?” Beth asked shakily.
“I did,” Razer answered. “Didn’t want them thinking we were the ones out here with a gun.”
“Beth, Razer.” Nodding to the other men. “What happened?” The sheriff didn’t beat around the bush.
“Beth and I were by her car when someone fired a shot at me,” Razer began explaining.
“Don’t expect it was you they were shooting at,” the sheriff corrected.
“What do you mean?”
“Thought I told you to be careful?” He turned to Beth.
“I was. I didn’t think anyone would shoot at me in front of witnesses.”
“Someone is trying to kill Beth? Why?” Razer asked, clearly confused.
“I’m still investigating.”
“You’re investigating? Since when?”
“Since I discovered her car’s brakes had been tampered with. I haven’t been able to find any prints or witnesses to the tampering. I have the deputies keeping an eye on her. She was supposed to be home, she usually is when she’s not working. Someone either had to follow her here or knew she was going to be here. Did you notice anyone following?”
“No. But I wasn’t paying attention.”
“Show me where the shot came from Razer. Beth, get back in the car.” Beth followed the sheriff’s order and got back in her car. Again, Shade waited until both men returned. Beth sat inside the car watching the men talk. Finally with a wave, the Sherriff walked back to his car.
Beth’s car door opened. “Slide over.”
“What?”
“Slide over, I’m driving.”
Beth slid over as Razer took her place behind the wheel. “I can drive myself home.”
“You’re not going home.” Razer made a left onto the road. Beth had a terrible feeling she knew where he was taking her.
“I am not going to your home.”
“Yes you are. Treepoint is so small, anyone trying to hurt you will be aware of every move you make. The only safe place for you is my place.”
“I can stay with Mrs. Rogers, no one would know I was there.”
“What if you’re wrong, do you want to take a chance on getting her hurt?”
“No.”
“Then you agree.”
Chapter 10
The huge house looked the same it did the last time she was there.
“I don’t think I can do this.” Beth tried to pull her hand ou
t of Razer‘s as they walked up the steps to the opened front door.
“Beth, I don’t think you understand. I am not giving you a choice.” Grimly, Razer stood as she walked inside. Evie and the rest of club members had been waiting for them to arrive, they had left the club while the sheriff and Razer were talking. The large group was seated in the living room.
“Are you alright?” A worried Evie asked as soon as she saw Beth’s white face.
“Yes, just surprised someone wants me dead. It’s not like I am a member of a motorcycle club or something.” Razer laughed, lightening the mood of the room.
“When we were shot at, I assumed the shot was aimed at me.” Razer liked that she had a sense of humor when most women would have been frightened at the situation Beth found herself in.
Everyone in the group laughed but Evie. “Don’t joke, it’s not a laughing matter.”
“No it’s not,” Razer said in agreement. “But it’s good that Beth can keep a handle on it and remain calm.”
“I just can’t understand why of someone would try to murder me?”
“Whatever the reason, they almost accomplished their goal. If you hadn’t bent when you had, they would have had a head shot. Evie, Beth is supposed to be at Mrs. Rogers in the morning, can you fill in for her?”
“Of course.”
“That’s not necessary,” Beth protested.
“Yes it is. You can’t go to church tomorrow either. Your schedule has to be completely random. Each day different; the lengths of time sporadic.”
“Don’t worry, I can handle the work. Remember I told you earlier I want the extra hours.”
“But that was when you thought the guys were still going out of town.”
“Doesn’t matter; when this is over, give me a few days off.”
Beth yawned.
“Let’s go to bed.” Razer and Beth left as the others also began going to bed. Evie’s birthday celebration had been brought to an end by the mysterious shooter. Beth wearily climbed the stairs, sleepily wondering whose room she would be borrowing for the night. When Razer opened the door to his room, she was surprised the bedroom was tidy with the bed neatly made.